ROSELYN HOUSE SCHOOL / THE RHISE SERVICE 

EXCLUSIONS POLICY 

 

Due note has been taken of the DfE guidance on exclusions. At Roselyn House School and The RHISE Service, we are mindful that many of our students have had negative, previous school experience and have been subject to exclusion. The school is committed to providing positive experiences to our students and recognise that many behaviours are a form of communication. We recognise that as a part of their need some of our students present with challenging and socially unacceptable behaviours. We aim to support our young people who present a wide range of unacceptable behaviours and manage this within the school setting. These include violent or aggressive behaviour, damage to property, disruption to the education of self and others. However, at times we recognise that a student may require time out of the formal school setting. 

 

These occasions will be:- 

 

• Kept to a minimum 

• Reported formally to parents/ carers and other agencies and the LEA 

• Monitored and evaluated against the individual’s attendance/ behaviours and IEBP 

• Provided with appropriate school work to keep up their education 

 

Exclusions 

 

The school does offer a “no permanent exclusion policy” by working closely with the home and the Education Authority. This can be challenging at times and the wellbeing of all concerned has to be considered. At times students may require alternatives putting in place in order to continue to support what is best for them at that time. This may mean that supported working at home, The RHISE Centre or at another venue takes place and students are placed on an alternative programme.  

 

If, after concerted efforts it is understood that the individual cannot benefit from the opportunities provided, the school will recommend that a more suitable placement is sought. Meanwhile, we will try to ensure that education continues, although this may well be off-site. 

 

At times some individuals exhibit extreme behaviours which present the individual and/ or others from receiving their education. In these cases, we do reserve the right to arrange a “cooling off period” where the individual will be asked to stay at home for a prescribed length of time (a fixed term exclusion): whilst discussions take place with parents and/ or carers. 

 

In line with Roselyn House School/ The RHISE Service’s Behaviour Policy, with regard to alleged assault (by student on student or student on staff) a ‘cool off period’ will be put into place for the alleged perpetrator as Police may be involved and further investigation required by them or the Headteacher (not both). The LEA, parents/ carers and any other agencies that may be involved will be informed of this.  

 

The young person out of school will continue to be supported by Roselyn House School/ The RHISE Service and education provided. It may be appropriate for the young person to access remote learning. 

 

Once the investigation is concluded by the Police or the Headteacher (not both), a meeting will be arranged within a reasonable time scale in order to discuss the outcome of the investigation.  

 

If the investigation is conducted by the Police, the timescale is out of school’s control and is governed by the Police. This can be a lengthy process. 

 

By providing such a ‘cool off period’ for a student, it allows the Police/ School to investigate the incident without prejudice. It stops any further incidents occurring or discrimination forming.  It is a system which helps keep both the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator safe from any further risk.  

 

If there is no conviction following a Police investigation then the young person will return to school following a Restorative Justice Meeting and be provided with supported re-integration.  

 

If the young person is convicted, then a discussion will take place as to whether the placement is still viable for the young person or whether an alternative, individualised package should be put into place. This may consist of learning/ teaching off site and vocational placements, for example. 

   

A student’s placement at the school may be terminated if there is a change in circumstances and more suitable/ alternative provision can be found. These instances will be monitored and evaluated against the behaviour management and positive handling plan.  The Education Authority and parents/ carers will be informed formally in writing. Likewise if the school is unable to meet the child’s needs or they have become unsafe under Health and Safety Responsibilities. 

 

An emergency meeting would normally be convened at the School and the decision made to end the placement agreed between the School and the Authority. Both the School and Placing Authority have to follow guidelines that are outlined in the ‘contract of placement’ and until a student is officially removed from the roll of Roselyn House School, work and support will be provided. 

 

At Roselyn House School/ The RHISE Service, we work together as a group of professionals to support young people and follow training programmes and continued professional development in order to provide the best that we can for our students. We are proven effective at it too. However, we recognise at times that we are faced with some behaviours that should not be tolerated. At Roselyn House School/ The RHISE Service we support our staff along with our students to feel safe and do not accept that due to our trainings that we should be able to manage every behaviour and situation that is put in front of us. There are some situations which, although very seldom; put staff at extreme risk and may require additional support from Police. This is a last option at Roselyn House School/ The RHISE Service but sometimes necessary in order to keep other students and staff safe.  

 

Reviewed June 2023